Ephesians - Part 6

 

     This message was preached at Word Of Grace Church on 2ns August 2026, by Andrew. For the audio , please click here.  For the worship, please click here.  

A Prayer That Changes Us from the Inside Out

Lessons from Ephesians 3:14–21

When we think about prayer, our minds often go to asking God for help—healing, provision, guidance, or solutions to life's challenges. While these are good and necessary prayers, the Apostle Paul gives us a glimpse into something even deeper in Ephesians 3:14–21.

His prayer isn't primarily about changing circumstances. It's about God transforming people.

A Prayer Rooted in the Gospel

Paul begins by saying,

"For this reason I kneel before the Father..."

What is "this reason"?

It's everything Paul has been building up throughout the first three chapters of Ephesians. Through Jesus' death and resurrection, those who were once far from God have been brought near. Jews and Gentiles have become one family. The same resurrection power that raised Christ from the dead is now at work bringing people into God's family.

Our confidence in prayer doesn't come from using the right words or having a particular style of praying. It comes from knowing who our Father is—a loving Father who knows what's best, hears His children, corrects them wisely, and provides generously.

Paul's First Request: Strength for the Inner Person

Paul's first petition is surprising:

"I pray that... He may strengthen you with power through His Spirit in your inner being."

Why does Paul pray for power?

Not for influence.
Not for recognition.
Not even for miraculous abilities.

The purpose is much greater:

"...so that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith."

The greatest display of God's power is not simply changing our external circumstances but transforming our hearts.

Strength That Doesn't Fade

Our physical bodies grow weaker with time. No matter how fit or healthy we are today, our bodies have limits.

But Paul reminds us that our inner being can continually grow stronger.

The Holy Spirit renews us day by day, producing a faith that matures regardless of age or circumstance.

Perhaps our prayers should increasingly sound like this:

"Lord, strengthen me inwardly so I remain faithful, whatever happens around me."

Rooted in a Love Beyond Understanding

Paul then moves to his second prayer:

"...that you, being rooted and established in love, may have power... to grasp how wide and long and high and deep is the love of Christ."

This raises another question:

Why do we need God's power just to understand His love?

Because God's love is not merely an idea to study.

It is a reality to experience.

Knowledge alone cannot heal deep wounds. Only God's love revealed by the Holy Spirit can restore what years of pain have broken.

Many people carry invisible scars from rejection, loss, disappointment, or broken relationships. The Father's love reaches places that human words cannot.

His love doesn't simply inform us.

It transforms us.

Knowledge and Experience Go Together

Christian maturity isn't built on emotional experiences alone.

Neither is it built on knowledge alone.

Paul points us toward both.

We need to know God's Word.

We also need to encounter the God of the Word.

As we grow in both truth and relationship, we become spiritually mature—stable, loving, generous, united, and resilient believers who reflect Christ.

A Bigger View of God

Paul concludes with one of the Bible's most powerful declarations:

"Now to Him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine..."

How often do we limit God with our expectations?

Sometimes unanswered prayers tempt us to believe that God isn't powerful enough—or perhaps not generous enough.

Paul reminds us that neither is true.

God's resources are limitless.

His wisdom is perfect.

His power has already been demonstrated through the resurrection of Jesus Christ.

The same power is still at work today.

Let Christ Make Himself at Home

One beautiful picture helps us understand Paul's prayer.

Imagine buying an old house that needs renovation. The walls need painting, the flooring needs replacing, and every room requires attention.

Before moving in, everything is slowly restored.

That's exactly what Christ does when He dwells in us.

He doesn't merely visit.

He takes up residence.

Room by room, He transforms our lives.

Over time, what once looked broken begins to resemble the character of Christ.

Spiritual growth is often gradual, but it is real.

The longer Christ dwells within us, the more our lives reflect Him.

A Prayer Worth Praying

Paul's prayer challenges us to pray differently.

Yes, we can continue bringing our needs before God.

But alongside those requests, may we also pray:

• Lord, strengthen my inner being.
• Let Christ dwell fully in my heart.
• Help me experience the immeasurable depth of Your love.
• Make me spiritually mature.
• Shape me to look more like Jesus.
• May my life bring glory to You.

Ultimately, Paul's prayer isn't centered on our comfort.

It's centered on God's glory.

And when God transforms us from the inside out, His glory shines through His people and His Church for generations to come.

 Word of Grace is an Evangelical (Born Again),  Spirit-filled (Charismatic), Reformed, English-speaking church in Pune that upholds the Bible as God's inspired Word for life. We are a church community that has people from every part of India and parts of the world. We are here to put the Great Command and the Great Commission into practice by equipping and releasing every member into works of service.  Word of Grace is part of a wider international family of Churches called RegionsBeyond.To know more about us please log onto www.wordofgracechurch.org. 

John 15 - Part 1 Study and Reflection

 

This study was done at Word Of Grace Church in groups on June 29th 2025. For the audio & video please click here.  For the worship please click here. 

JOHN 15 SUNDAY MORNING STUDY - 

Part 1

Who Is the Author of the Gospel of John?

 Traditionally, the Gospel of John is attributed to John the Apostle, the son of Zebedee and brother of James. As one of Jesus’ twelve disciples and part of His inner circle alongside Peter and James, John had a front-row seat to Jesus’ ministry.

The Gospel of John is distinct from the Synoptic Gospels—Matthew, Mark, and Luke—in both content and style. Here's a breakdown of how it differs, as well as its historical and cultural context and the original language in which it was written. 

How is the Gospel of John Different?

1. Structure and Content

·        No Parables: John does not contain parables like the Synoptic Gospels. Instead, it features long discourses and symbolic language (e.g., “I am the Bread of Life”).

·        Fewer Miracles, Called “Signs”: John focuses on seven signs that point to Jesus' divine identity, rather than a wide variety of miracles.

·        Focus on Jesus’ Identity: John emphasises Jesus as the eternal Word (Logos) and the Son of God. It’s more theological and less narrative-driven. 

 Historical and Cultural Context

1. Date and Location

·        Likely written around AD 90–100, later than the Synoptic Gospels.

·        Traditionally attributed to John the Apostle.

·        Possibly written in Ephesus (modern-day Turkey).

2. Audience

·        Aimed at a mixed audience of Jews and Gentiles, possibly Jewish Christians who had been expelled from synagogues (see John 9:22). 

3. Cultural Setting

·        Written in a Greco-Roman world influenced by Hellenistic philosophy, especially Logos theology (the idea of the “Word” as divine reason or principle).

·        Reflects tension between early Christians and Jewish authorities, visible in phrases like “the Jews” (which needs careful contextual reading—it often refers to specific opponents, not all Jewish people). 

 Original Language

·        The Gospel of John was originally written in Koine Greek, the common dialect of the Eastern Mediterranean in the first century.

·        Although written in Greek, John uses Semitic thought patterns, indicating the writer’s Jewish background.

·        The use of the term "Logos" (Word) in John 1:1 is a profound bridge between Jewish theology (God speaks the world into being) and Greek philosophy (Logos as the rational principle of the universe). 

John’s Gospel is designed not just to tell the story of Jesus, but to invite faith in Him as the Son of God who gives eternal life (John 20:31). 

What Makes John's Gospel So Special? 

John’s Gospel diverges from the Synoptic Gospels (Matthew, Mark, and Luke) in both content and style. Here’s what makes it stand out: 

1. Symbolic and Poetic Language

- Rich in metaphor: light vs. darkness, bread of life, living water, vine and branches.

- Simple Greek yet layered with profound spiritual meaning.

- Frequent use of repetition and contrast to drive home key themes. 

 2. Deep Theological Emphasis

- Often called the “spiritual Gospel.”

- Presents Jesus as the Logos (Word) made flesh (John 1:1, 14), the Son of God, and one with the Father.

- Clear purpose: “That you may believe that Jesus is the Messiah, the Son of God, and that by believing you may have life in His name” (John 20:31). 

3. Selective and Interpretive Storytelling

- Includes unique episodes: the raising of Lazarus, Jesus’ conversation with Nicodemus, and the foot washing at the Last Supper.

- Omits familiar elements like parables and casting out demons.

- Structured around seven signs and seven “I AM” statements, each revealing aspects of Jesus’ identity. 

4. Use of Dualism

- Sharp contrasts: life vs. death, light vs. darkness, truth vs. falsehood, belief vs. unbelief.

- These dualities highlight the decisive choice each person must make about Jesus. 

5. Eyewitness Testimony

- The Gospel reads like a personal account from someone who walked closely with Jesus.

- Emphasises firsthand experience: 'We have seen His glory' (John 1:14); 'The one who saw it has testified' (John 19:35). 

Ways John Uses the Number 7

John masterfully uses the number 7 throughout his Gospel to convey completeness, divine perfection, and the fullness of Jesus’ identity and mission. In Jewish thought, the number 7 often symbolizes wholeness—rooted in the 7 days of creation (Genesis 1–2). John, steeped in this worldview, weaves this symbolism deeply into his Gospel to reveal Jesus as the new creation and the fulfilment of God’s redemptive plan. 

1. 7 Signs (Miracles)

These are selected acts of power that reveal Jesus' identity and lead to faith (John 20:30–31).

1.  Water into Wine

2.  Healing the Official’s Son

3.  Healing the Lame Man

4.  Feeding the 5,000

5.  Walking on Water

6.  Healing the Blind Man

7.  Raising Lazarus

 Culminates in resurrection power and points toward the eighth sign—Jesus' own resurrection, ushering in a new creation week. 

2. 7 "I Am" Statements

Jesus declares His divine identity with 7 metaphoric “I AM” statements (echoing God's name in Exodus 3:14).

Statement	Reference
1. I am the Bread of Life	John 6:35
2. I am the Light of the World	John 8:12
3. I am the Door	John 10:9
4. I am the Good Shepherd	John 10:11
5. I am the Resurrection and the Life	John 11:25
6. I am the Way, the Truth, and the Life	John 14:6
7. I am the True Vine	John 15:1

 These reveal how Jesus meets every human need—sustenance, guidance, protection, resurrection, truth, and abiding life. 

3. 7 Witnesses to Jesus’ Identity

John includes 7 key individuals (or groups) who testify to who Jesus is:

1.  John the Baptist – “Behold, the Lamb of God” (John 1:29)

2.  Nathanael – “You are the Son of God” (John 1:49)

3.  Peter – “You are the Holy One of God” (John 6:69)

4.  Martha – “You are the Christ, the Son of God” (John 11:27)

5.  Thomas – “My Lord and my God!” (John 20:28)

6.  Jesus Himself – “I who speak to you am He” (John 4:26)

7.  The Writer (John) – “These are written so that you may believe...” (John 20:31)

 These testimonies build a cumulative legal and theological case for belief. 

4. 7 Titles for Jesus in Chapter 1

In just the first chapter, John layers 7 titles for Jesus, creating a composite identity:

1.  The Word

2.  The Lamb of God

3.  Rabbi

4.  Messiah

5.  Son of God

6.  King of Israel

7.  Son of Man

Each title connects to Old Testament hopes and messianic expectations, fulfilled in Christ. 

5. 7 Feasts or Festivals Referenced

John structures much of Jesus’ ministry around Jewish feasts—all of which find their true meaning in Him:

1.  Sabbath (John 5)

2.  Passover (John 2, 6, 13)

3.  Feast of Unleavened Bread

4.  Feast of Tabernacles (John 7)

5.  Feast of Dedication (Hanukkah, John 10)

6.  Another Sabbath healing (John 9)

7.  Final Passover → Crucifixion and Resurrection (John 18–20)

Jesus fulfills and reinterprets these symbols as the true center of worship. 

Here are Bible study discussion questions based on John 15:1–3 (NIV):

“I am the true vine, and my Father is the gardener. He cuts off every branch in me that bears no fruit, while every branch that does bear fruit he prunes so that it will be even more fruitful. You are already clean because of the word I have spoken to you.” 

Bible Study Discussion Questions

Understanding the Passage

1.  What does Jesus mean when He says, “I am the true vine”?

o   How does this metaphor connect to Israel in the Old Testament?

2.  Who is the gardener, and what is His role in this passage?

o   What does this reveal about God's active involvement in our spiritual growth?

3.  What is the difference between “cutting off” and “pruning” as used in verse 2?

o   How can pruning be both painful and necessary?

4.  In verse 3, Jesus says the disciples are already clean because of the word He has spoken. What does that imply about the power of His word? 

Personal Reflection

5.  Can you identify areas in your life where God might be “pruning” you right now?

o   What fruit might He be cultivating through it?

6.  Have there been times when you felt “cut off” from God? Looking back, do you think it was pruning or something else?

7.  How do you respond when God begins to prune areas of comfort, success, or control in your life? 

Application

8.  What practical steps can we take to remain connected to the “true vine”?

9.  What are some examples of “fruit” that God desires to see in our lives?

o   How can we discern what kind of fruit we are bearing?

10.              How can the Word of God continue to “clean” us today?

• In what ways do you allow Scripture to shape your thoughts, habits, and relationships?

  Word of Grace is an Evangelical (Born Again),  Spirit-filled (Charismatic), Reformed, English-speaking church in Pune that upholds the Bible as God's inspired Word for life. We are a church community that has people from every part of India and parts of the world. We are here to put the Great Command and the Great Commission into practice by equipping and releasing every member into works of service.  Word of Grace is part of a wider international family of Churches called RegionsBeyond.To know more about us please log onto www.wordofgracechurch.org. 

Pictures of the Church - Part 4

 

 This message was preached at Word Of Grace Church on  March 2nd 2025 by Colin. For the audio & video please click here.  For the worship please click here. please click here.

CHURCH AS A FAMILY PART 2

INTRODUCTION

Last week, we examined God's heart toward His creation made in His image. His heart always wanted to have an intimate relationship with us. But we saw how sin corrupted God’s perfect creation. Yet God made a covenant with Abraham's family and then with the nation of Israel, who was supposed to be a model to the rest of the world, but the rebellion was so deeply rooted in their hearts.

And then, in the fullness of time, as prophesied in Gen 3, God sent His only son to die for us while we were steeped in our sin. Jesus came to reconcile us to the Father and to make way for an orphaned planet to find sonship through the Cross. We have been purchased by the precious blood of Jesus and brought into His family. God has expectations for each of us. We need to live to please the Lord. The Bible asks us to “find out what pleases Him”. It is not just function but relationship. In God’s family, the master and worker are brothers. The Cross brings down every barrier and diving wall.

Ps 68:4-6 God is a father to the fatherless and places the lonely in families.

The terms brother and sister are used 169 times in the N.T.

We then looked at God’s family. What are some of our features and characteristics? God is our father, Jesus is the head of the family, He is our brother, we are His household, and we are a caring community that seeks to live in harmony and unity.

We ended by asking where you are in the family circle of life: an infant, child, young adult, reproducing parent, or grandparent. 

Today, let us look at how we function as a family and what we do together.

Jesus saved us to reconcile us to the Father. We have been transferred from being orphans into a family, from one kingdom to another. Our salvation has a plan and purpose: to bring those who are not yet saved into the family.

So, after salvation, it is not a time to sit around and sing lovely songs. We are called to co-labour, co-create, and collaborate with Jesus. We have a job to do within the family and then get involved in the family business or mission to seek the lost.

Each member of the family of God has a role to play. There are no spare tires or parts. 

HOW THEN SHALL WE LIVE?

 FAMILIAL INTIMACY

It is not a formal relationship. Jn13:34-35 We are commanded to love one another. What does this love look like? It means we care for one another in practice, ways to demonstrate love.

1Jn3:18 – Let us not love in words but in deeds also.

• John 13:34-35 – “A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another: just as I have loved you, you also are to love one another.”
• 1 John 4:7 – “Beloved, let us love one another, for love is from God, and whoever loves has been born of God and knows God.

WE FELLOWSHIP AND ENCOURAGE ONE ANOTHER

Fellowship

• Acts 2:42 – “And they devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching and the fellowship, to the breaking of bread and the prayers.”
• Hebrews 10:24-25 – “And let us consider how to stir up one another to love and good works, not neglecting to meet together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another.”

Do we have faithful brothers and sisters who will tell us when we are getting led astray? We ought to do this in a Christian family.

We carry each other’s burdens

• Galatians 6:2 – “Bear one another’s burdens and so fulfil the law of Christ.” V5, each one should carry its own load.

Burdens are crises and emergencies. We must bear each other's burdens, and the church must come together to help. Whose burden are you bearing?

WE PRAY FOR ONE ANOTHER

We have seen tremendous answers to prayer as we have been praying every day. This week is when we gather as a church to pray. Let us be faithful in prayer.

• James 5:16 – “Therefore, confess your sins to one another and pray for one another, that you may be healed.”
• Ephesians 6:18 – “Praying at all times in the Spirit, with all prayer and supplication.”
• Matt 21:13 “It is written,” he said to them, “ My house will be called a house of prayer,’ but you are making it ‘a den of robbers.’”
  
  

WE GROW SPIRITUALLY TOGETHER

• Colossians 3:16 – “Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly, teaching and admonishing one another in all wisdom.”
• Ephesians 4:15-16 – “Speaking the truth in love, we are to grow up in every way into Him who is the head, into Christ.”

SERVE ONE ANOTHER

1 Pet 4:10-11. Gal5:13.

Use your gifts to serve others. Use your freedom to serve one another.

Mk10:45 Jesus was our model – He came to serve. We are called to serve our church family.

We will look more into how we live as a family the next time.

Word of Grace is an Evangelical (Born Again),  Spirit-filled (Charismatic), Reformed, English-speaking church in Pune that upholds the Bible as God's inspired Word for life. We are a church community that has people from every part of India and parts of the world. We are here to put the Great Command and the Great Commission into practice by equipping and releasing every member into works of service.  Word of Grace is part of a wider international family of Churches called RegionsBeyond.To know more about us please log onto www.wordofgracechurch.org.